Graphs

CO

Wisconsin carbon monoxide (CO) emissions

Health effects

Carbon monoxide (CO), a criteria pollutant, is a colorless, odorless gas that is emitted by both natural processes and human activity. Although CO exists as a trace constituent of the troposphere, much of human CO exposure that results in elevated levels in the blood is due to incomplete fossil fuel combustion. For more information, visit U.S. EPA's Carbon Monoxide [exit DNR].

NOx

Wisconsin nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions

Health effects

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a brownish, highly reactive gas that is formed through the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO). Nitrogen oxides (NOx), the term used to describe the sum of NO and NO2, play a role in the formation of ozone in the atmosphere through a complex series of reactions with volatile organic compounds. For more information, visit U.S. EPA's Nitrogen Dioxide [exit DNR].

PM

Wisconsin particulate matter (PM) emissions

Health effects

Particulate matter is the generic term for a broad class of chemically and physically diverse substances that exist as discrete particles (liquid droplets or solids) over a wide range of sizes. Particles originate from a variety of anthropogenic (human-made) stationary and mobile sources as well as natural sources.

Many epidemiologic studies have shown significant associations of ambient PM levels with a variety of human health problems. For more information, visit U.S. EPA's Particulate Matter Standards [exit DNR].

PM10

Wisconsin inhalable coarse particulate matter (PM10) emissions

Health effects

Inhalable coarse particulate matter, also known as PM10 or PM10, is formed by crushing, grinding and abrasion of surfaces, which breaks large pieces of material into smaller pieces. The particles are then suspended by the wind or by anthropogenic (human) activity.

Many studies have shown significant associations of ambient PM10 levels with a variety of human health problems. For more information, visit U.S. EPA's Particulate Matter Basics [exit DNR].

ROG

Wisconsin Reactive Organic Gas (ROG) emissions

Health effects

Volatile Organic Compounds (a.k.a. VOCs or Reactive Organic Gases (ROG)) are precursors to the formation of ozone (O3) near ground level. A wide array of health effects has been attributed to short-term (1 to 3 hrs.), prolonged (6 to 8 hrs.) and long-term (months to years) exposures to ozone. For more information, visit U.S. EPA's Health Effects of Ozone Pollution [exit DNR].

Lead

Wisconsin lead emissions

Health effects

Once taken into the body, lead distributes throughout the body in the blood and is accumulated in the bones. Depending on the level of exposure, lead can adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems and the cardiovascular system. Lead exposure also affects the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. The lead effects most commonly encountered in current populations are neurological effects in children and cardiovascular effects (e.g., high blood pressure and heart disease) in adults. Infants and young children are especially sensitive to even low levels of lead, which may contribute to behavioral problems, learning deficits and lowered IQ. For more information, visit U.S. EPA's Learn about Lead [exit DNR].